The grieving mum of a teenager who died in a New Year’s Day accident is being told to strip away the memorial decorations from her son’s grave.

More than 20 devastated family and friends of people buried at St Marcela’s Church cemetery in Denbigh voiced their anger after signs enforcing strict rules were erected.

Church in Wales chiefs insist they are reminding people of the regulations that govern all their cemeteries. But those with loved ones at St Marcela’s say they have been allowed to decorate the graves as they have seen fit for years.

Andrea, family and friends have decorated Ian’s grave with flowers, angels and solar lights in his memory. But under the rules they will have to be stripped from the grave.

The regulations include no permanent flower vases other than those incorporated into the headstones, no ornamental lighting, no shrubs or other permanent plants unless they are spring bulbs, and no kerbing, paving slabs, chipping or gravel.

A sign at the cemetery says: “The intention is that this area is to be a ‘lawned’ burial ground.”

Signs enforcing rules have been put up at St Marcella's Parish Church cemetery (Image: Robert Parry-Jones)

Andrea, of Myddleton, Denbigh, said: “There was absolutely no consultation with people and we are also being told you can have silk flowers, but no plastic flowers.

“People come here to grieve and it helps them to deal with their loss. But now they are telling us we have to take it all away from Ian’s grave. It is devastating and makes you wonder what we have actually paid for to have a burial plot here.”

Jemma Berry, a friend of Ian’s, said: “We come here sometimes at night to reflect and the lights help illuminate the area and help us to remember Ian. We think this is very disrespectful to people who are grieving for loved ones and we are speaking on behalf of all families affected here.”

Rachel Ford, whose mother Dianne Roberts died in the 90s and is buried there, said: “I have been coming here for years and have never had this. It is very upsetting for people.”

Adrian Conway Williams added: “My wife is buried here and what has hit people is the dictatorial way this has been done.”

A Diocese of St Asaph spokesman said: “The notice is simply reminding people of the regulations that govern every churchyard looked after by the Church in Wales.

“They are designed to ensure that everyone can use the churchyard as a place of quiet reflection and remembrance.

“The Parochial Church Council (PCC) at St Marcella’s is working hard to keep the churchyard tidy and provide a peaceful environment for people to remember their loved ones.”